Middle East

JD Vance said during a White House briefing that although the war with Iran is not a "forever war," an escalation in the absence of a diplomatic solution would serve long-term US security interests.

Israel, US sought to instate Ahmadinejad as Iran leader, NYT says • IRGC warns of broader attacks if war resumes • US-Saudi civil nuclear pact nears signing

The US Navy spent weeks clearing mines from a route in the Strait of Hormuz meant for the safe passage of commercial ships, warning that the normal route is "extremely hazardous."

The US has recently stepped up sanctions on Iran through "Economic Fury," a program meant to disrupt Tehran's shadow banking networks and terrorist financing schemes.

The advancement on the resolution is a victory for lawmkaers who have been arguing that Congress, not the president, should have the power to send troops to war, as spelled out in the Constitution.

The head of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency, Raphael Grossi, warned that a direct hit on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant would result in a "very high release of radioactivity."

The Foreign Ministry clarified that videos showing soldiers firing shots at the boats were "non-lethal means" employed towards the vessels, adding that no protesters were injured in the incident.

Vance said he had just spoken to Trump, who stressed that the core issue for the US is that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.

According to regional analysts, Gulf leaders fear that even a limited American strike on Iranian energy or military infrastructure could provoke retaliatory attacks targeting vital infrastructure.

“Iran’s shadow banking system facilitates the illicit transfer of funding for terrorist purposes,” said Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury.